Nail enamel compositions having a decorative color effect

ABSTRACT

A base coat nail enamel composition that forms a decorative color effect over natural or synthetic nails. The base coat nail enamel composition includes at least one dye in a sufficient amount, such that when a clear, tinted or pigmented top coat nail enamel composition is formed thereon, the combined base and top coat nail enamel compositions will exhibit a decorative effect by virtue of forming a different color than either the color of the base nail enamel composition or the top coat nail enamel composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nail enamel compositions include a class of nail care products regularlyused by women as part of their beauty care routine. These nail careproducts are available in a multitude of product formulations, fromclears to infinite colors. Typically, clear nail enamel compositionsinclude a film forming polymer, a film forming resin, a plasticizer andone or more solvents. In the case of a color nail enamel composition,the product may also include a thixotropic compound, a suspending agentand one or more pigments, or in the alternative, an organic coloringpolymer may be used. In addition to these components, a number ofoptional and proprietary components are often included such as UV lightabsorbers, moisturizers, stabilizers, fragrances and the like.

Nail enamel compositions have heretofore been formulated to satisfy anumber of highly desirable film forming properties. For example,desirable properties often include smoothness of application, rapid drytime, scratch resistance, detergent and oil resistance, lustrousappearance, wear and chip resistance and the like. Often most important,it has been highly desirable that the resulting nail enamel film besmooth and uninterrupted by imperfections, for example, orange peeleffect, wrinkling, cracking, pitting, bubbling and the like. To thisend, nail enamel compositions have included many different types ofadditives in order to improve the aforementioned desirable properties ofthe resulting film.

Despite the improved properties of the nail enamel film, the aestheticor decorative appearance differed very little. In particular,manufacturers often times would produce nail enamel compositions havingthe same popular colors as their competitors. This provided littledistinction between nail enamel products of different manufacturers tothe ultimate consumer. Nail enamel compositions having a more decorativeappearance were produced by including small pieces of light reflectingdecorative material known as glitters within the composition. From theforegoing, it can be appreciated that the appearance of nail enamelcompositions has differed very little over the years. To this end, thepresent invention provides a nail enamel composition which produces afilm having a decorative effect heretofore unknown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in one embodiment, there is described a base coat nailenamel composition including at least one dye in a sufficient amount,such that when a clear, tinted or pigmented top coat nail enamelcomposition is formed thereon, the combined base and top coat nailenamel compositions will exhibit a decorative effect by virtue offorming a different color than either the color of the base nail enamelcomposition or the top coat nail enamel composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the dye is added into the base coat nailenamel composition as a dry dye.

In another preferred embodiment, the base coat nail enamel compositionfurther comprises at least one pigment.

In another embodiment, there is described a nail enamel compositioncomprising any one of the aforementioned base nail enamel compositionsand a clear or tinted top coat nail enamel composition, in which theclear or tinted top coat nail enamel composition is formed over the basecoat nail enamel composition.

In yet another embodiment, there is described a nail enamel kit forforming a decorative film over natural or synthetic nails, the kitcomprising any of the aforementioned base coat nail enamel compositions,the base coat nail enamel composition forming a first film having afirst color over the natural or synthetic nails, and a top coat nailenamel composition, the top coat nail enamel composition forming asecond film having a second color over the first film. The combinationof the first and second films results in a third color that is differentfrom both the first and second colors.

In yet another embodiment, there is described a method of forming adecorative film over natural or synthetic nails, the method comprisingapplying any one of the aforementioned base coat nail enamelcompositions over the natural or synthetic nails to form a first filmhaving a first color and then, applying a top coat nail enamelcomposition over the base coat nail enamel composition to form a secondfilm having a second color. The combination of the first and secondfilms results a third color that is different from both the first andsecond colors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the various embodiments of the present invention, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalence which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

The present invention broadly discloses base coat nail enamelcompositions (hereinafter “base coats”) which, when a clear, tinted orpigmented top coat nail enamel composition (hereinafter “top coat”) isformed thereon, will exhibit a decorative effect by virtue of forming adifferent or altered color than both the color of the base coat and thecolor of the top coat. By the term “color,” it is meant to encompass anytone or hue. In this regard, in addition to any tints and pigments, theterm “color” also includes clear nail enamel compositions, coats andfilms. Thus, in the present invention, “clear” is also a color. By theterm “clear,” it is meant that the nail enamel composition does notcontain a coloring agent or at most, an incidental amount of a coloringagent. By the term “tint,” it is meant that the nail enamel compositioncontains a minor amount of a coloring agent, such that the coloringagent imparts a light hue or shade to the top coat nail enamel. By theterm “pigmented,” it is meant that the nail enamel composition containsmore than a minor amount of a colorant, such as a pigment, to impart adarker hue or shade. In all instances, the nail enamel composition maybe either fully or partially transparent.

The base coats of the present invention are applied to natural orsynthetic nails. Afterwards, a clear, tinted or pigmented top coat isapplied over the base coats.

Nail enamel compositions can be formulated as a clear or color nailenamel composition. For base coats, they may further be formulated to besuitable for coating natural and synthetic nails. Typically, a clearnail enamel composition contains one or more film forming components, aplasticizer and one or more solvents. Clear nail enamel compositions mayalso include one or more thixotropic compounds. In the case of a colornail enamel composition, the composition will generally include athixotropic compound, a suspending agent and one or more colorants, suchas pigments. In addition to these compounds, a number of optionally andproprietary components may be included such as UV light absorbers,moisturizers, stabilizers, fragrances and the like. Typical nail enamelcompositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,217, entitled QuickDrying Nail Enamel Composition, filed on Apr. 7, 1998 in the name ofSocci, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,523, entitled Nail EnamelComposition, filed on Dec. 10, 1996 in the name of Socci, et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,792,447, entitled Nail Enamel Composition, filed on Nov.15, 1996 in the name of Socci, et al., which patents are assigned to thesame assignee of the present application, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, dyes have been used as colorants for nail enamelcompositions. Dyes have long been distinguished from pigments. Inparticular, dyes are known as chemical compounds which exhibit theircoloring power or tinctorial strength when dissolved in a solvent. Onthe other hand, pigments are insoluble colored materials which color bydispersion. For example, while dyes are generally soluble in solvents,such as water, propylene, glycol, glycerine, esters, alcohols andhydrocarbons, pigments and derivatives of pigments (such as lakes) aregenerally insoluble in most solvents.

In the present invention, one or more dyes are added to the base coat inan amount sufficient to enable a decorative effect when a clear, tintedor pigmented top coat is applied onto or formed on the base coat. Thedecorative effect may be in the form of a different or altered color forthe final nail enamel composition (i.e., a base coat with a top coatformed thereon) or film than both the color of the base coat and thecolor of the top coat. Some characteristics of the color change oreffect include, either singly or in some combination, a different hue, adifferent brightness, an increased intensity and higher saturation incolor. The intensity and type of the color change or effect may varydepending upon various factors, including, but not limited to, theamount of dye used, the amounts and types of the other ingredients inthe base and top coats, and whether the top coat is clear, tinted orpigmented. Although not bound by this theory, it is believed the coloreffect or change is at least partly attributable to the extra dyepresent in the base coat. With a higher amount or concentration of dyeadded to the base coat, after the solvent top coat is formed on the basecoat, the solvent in the top coat solubilizes or further solubilizes theextra dye in the base coat, which results in the color effect or change.

The base coats according to the present invention contain one or moredyes. Any dye may be used as long as they are soluble in any solventincluded in the base and top coats. The dyes for use in the presentinvention may include any of those dyes which are generally known foruse in nail enamel compositions. These dyes may be organic or inorganic.Such dyes may include dyes that are certified by the Division of ColorTechnology of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug& Cosmetic (D&C) dyes are one category of dyes that are certified by theFDA. Examples of D&C dyes for use in the present invention include D&CViolet No. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Green No. 6, D&C Orange No. 5, D&CRed No. 17, D&C Yellow No. 8, D&C Yellow No. 10 and D&C Yellow No. 11.The dyes for use in the present invention may be industrial dyes ormetal complex dyes. Such dyes include any of the Colour Index (CI) dyesset forth by The Society of Dyers and Colourists. Examples of CI dyesfor use in the present invention include Solvent Yellow 21, SolventYellow 62, Solvent Yellow 82, Solvent Yellow 90, Solvent Orange 45,Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange 58, Solvent Orange60, Solvent Orange 99, Solvent Red 8, Solvent Red 89, Solvent Red 91,Solvent Red 119, Solvent Red 122, Solvent Red 124, Solvent Red 127,Solvent Red 132, Solvent Red 160, Solvent Red 218, Dye Salt, Basic Blue7, Solvent Blue 48, Solvent Blue 70, Solvent Black 27, Solvent Black 28,Solvent Black 29 and Solvent Black 34.

Although the amount of dye in the compositions of the present inventionwill vary as a function of the type of dye and other components includedin the composition, in general, the dyes are included in an amount of atleast about 0.05% by weight of the composition, and more preferablybetween about 0.05% and about 1% of the composition.

The one or more dyes may be added in a solubilized form or in-solution,although in a preferred embodiment, the one or more dyes are added tothe base coat in a dry form, as “dry dyes.” By the term “dry dyes,” itis meant that the dyes are either not solubilized, dissolved orotherwise in-solution when added to the nail enamel composition, or atmost, partially solubilized. Typically, the dry dyes, when added to thebase coat, are in a powder form.

In base and top coats according to the present invention, one or morepigments and a suspending agent may also be added. One or more knowninsoluble organic colorants which are well known in the nail enamel artmay also be added to these compositions. Pigments are added to thecomposition to provide cosmetically acceptable shades and to pacify thefilms.

Pigments for use in the present invention may include any of thosepigments which are generally known for use in nail enamel compositions.For example, these pigments can include cosmetic grade or purifiedtitanium dioxide, yellow and red iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride, ironblue, iron black, mica particles, ultramarine blue, D&C Red #6, D&C Red#7, D&C Red # 34, chromide oxide greens, carbon black, lampblack,aluminum powder and the like. Other pigments which may be used incompositions according to the present invention may include the Lakepigments, for example, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 lake, FD&CRed No. 40 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, FD&CYellow No. 10 Lake, Amaranth Lake, Erythrosine Lake, Ponceau 4R Lake,Carmoisine Lake, D&C Red #6 barium Lake, D&C Red #7 calcium Lake and thelike. In addition to the above named pigments, there may also beincluded titanated micas, polyethylene teraphthalates and pearl essencewhich is a suspension of crystalline guanine in nitrocellulose andsolvents, as well as other additives which will affect the appearance ofthe pigment. Although the amount of pigment in the compositions of thepresent invention will vary as a function of the type of pigment andother components included in the composition, in general, pigments canbe included in an amount up to about 10% by weight of the base coat andin an amount up to about 1% by weight of the top coat. Preferably, theamount of pigment included in a top coat is limited to about 0.1% orless by weight of the top coat.

When pigments are included in compositions according to the presentinvention, it is useful to include a suspending agent for enhancing thesuspension of the pigments in the other components of the nail enamelcomposition. Although a number of suspending agents which are generallyused in conventional nail enamel compositions may be used to producecompositions according to the present invention, preferred suspendingagents include colloidal clays, montmorillonite clays, especiallystearalkonium hectorite, stearalkonium bentonite, fumed silica, andmixtures thereof. The suspending agent is present in the compositions ofthe present invention in amounts sufficient to produce a gel, preferablya colloidal gel. In general, the suspending agent is included in theamount ranging from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight of the composition.

In addition to the above described components, the nail enamelcompositions of the present invention may also include additionaladditives including stabilizers, thixotropic agents, UV light absorberssuch as ectocrylene and benzophenone-1, fragrances, moisturizers andmedicants, depending on the intended result. These components are wellknown in the art and may be included in amounts well within theteachings of the prior art.

Although the top coat of the present invention may include a color tint,as described above, the top coat is preferably clear, and include nocoloring agent or an incidental amount of a coloring agent.

The nail enamel compositions of the present invention also include oneor more solvents, such as those generally used in conventional nailenamel compositions. The solvents may be organic or inorganic. Examplesof suitable solvents for use in the nail enamel compositions of thepresent invention include ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethanol,isopropanol, propyl acetate, n-butanol, xylene, DI acetone alcohol,aromatic (containing phenyl groups), amyl acetate, ethers, ketones,alkanes for example, pentane, cyclopentane, hexane, toluene, heptane,cyclohexane, cyclic ethers for example, tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane,cellosolve, butyl cellosolve acetate, cellosolve acetate, methylcellosolve acetate, butyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, phenylatedsolvents for example, xylene, esters of acetic acid for example, methylacetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, chlorinated hydrocarbons forexample, methylene chloride, chloroform and methylchloroform. Theaforementioned solvents can be used alone or in mixtures thereof. Ingeneral, the amount of solvent used in the compositions of the presentinvention range from about 60% to about 80% by weight of thecomposition, and preferably about 65% to about 75% by weight of thecomposition.

The nail enamel compositions may contain one or more film formingcomponents such as film forming polymers, for example, celluloseacetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose, vinyl polymers,nitrocellulose, as well as acrylic type polymers, and mixtures thereof.Nitrocellulose provides an unusual combination of properties oftoughness, durability, solubility and solvent release. Examples ofnitrocellulose are the so called nitrocellulose RS ⅛ sec. and ¼ sec.;nitrocellulose RS ½ sec.; and nitrocellulose RS 5-6 sec. and 60-80 sec.,which have higher viscosities than the earlier grades. The term “RS”refers to the brand of nitrocellulose with a nitrogen content of about11.2 to about 12.8% with solubility in esters, ketones and glycol ethersmanufactured by Hercules, Inc. The terms ⅛ sec., sec., ¼ sec., 5-6 sec.,etc. represent viscosity and refer to the time it takes for a ball tofall to a given depth in the material. Nitrocellulose is typicallysupplied in 70% concentrations, wet with 30% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol.As used in the present application, the percentage of nitrocellulose ina given composition will be on a wet basis unless otherwise stated. Nailenamel compositions of the present invention may include the above filmforming polymers and combinations thereof in an amount ranging fromabout 5% to about 25% by weight of the composition, and more preferablyin the range of about 10% to about 15% by weight of the composition.

In addition to the aforementioned film forming polymers, the nail enamelcompositions can also include one or more film forming resins. Exemplaryfilm forming resins which may be used in the present invention eitheralone or in combination with the film forming polymers include, forexample, drying and non-drying alkyd resins, polyvinyl resins forexample polyvinyl acetate, polyester resins, epoxy resins, acrylicpolymers and copolymers, maleic modified glycerol esters of rosin, andtoluene sulfonamide/epoxy resins, i.e., tosylamide epoxy resins. It isalso within the scope of the nail enamel compositions of the presentinvention to include aldehyde condensation products such asarylsulfonamide formaldehyde resins, i.e., tosylamide formaldehyderesins, specifically toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resin which is acondensation product of formaldehyde and toluene sulfonamide. The amountof film forming resin and combinations thereof can range from about 2%to about 25% by weight of the composition, and preferably about 7% toabout 12% by weight of the composition. Overall, the nail enamelcompositions can include a number of film forming components in theoverall range of from about 2% to about 25% by weight of thecomposition, and preferably about 10% to about 15% by weight of thecomposition.

The nail enamel compositions according to the present invention can alsoinclude one or more plasticizers to soften and plasticize particularlyany film forming polymer present in the nail enamel composition. Theplasticizer may be in either liquid or solid form, as well ascombinations thereof. The plasticizers may be plasticizers known to besuitable for use in nail enamel compositions. Examples of such knownplasticizers include tricresyl phosphate, dibutyl tartrate, benzylbenzoate, tributyl phosphate, butyl acetyl ricinoleate, butyl glycolate,butyl stearate, triphenyl phosphate, triethyl citrate, camphor, castoroil, esters of citric, stearate, phalic, oleic, phosphate, butyric andbenzoic acid, glyceryl triacetate and glyceryl triproprionate,2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentandiiol diisobutyrate and mixtures thereof. Thenail enamel compositions of the present invention also contemplate theuse of phthalate type plasticizers, either alone or in combination withthe aforementioned plasticizers, for example, diamylphthalate, dibutylphthalate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutoxy ethylphthalateand mixtures thereof.

Plasticizers included in the nail enamel compositions of the presentinvention are in amounts sufficient to provide acceptable flexibility tothe nail enamel film on the human or synthetic nail surface. In thisregard, the amount of plasticizer and combinations thereof for use inthe nail enamel compositions of the present invention range from about1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, and preferably about 5% toabout 10% by weight of the composition.

The base and top coats in accordance with the present invention can bemanufactured by thoroughly and intimately mixing together all thecomponents in amounts described in accordance with the presentinvention. Examples of satisfactory equipment and how to use them arereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the nail enamel art.

The following examples of base and top coat nail enamel compositions inaccordance with the present invention are presented by way ofillustration only. Examples 1 to 3 and 5 represent actual examples, andExample 4 represents a prophetic example. These examples are notintended to be limiting the present invention either as to the inclusionof a lesser number of components, the substitution of additionalcomponents or variations in the percentages of the range of components.In this regard, any range of numbers recited in the examples,specification or claims, such as that representing a particular set ofproperties, units of measure, conditions, physical states orpercentages, is intended to literally incorporate expressly herein byreference or otherwise, any number falling within such range, includingany subset of numbers within any range so recited. For example, whenevera numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed,any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed.

Also, the term “about” encompasses greater and lesser values than thosespecifically recited provided that the value of the relevant property orcondition facilitates reasonably meeting the technologic objective(s) ofthe present invention as described in detail in the specification andclaims. More specifically, the term “about” when used as a modifier for,or in conjunction with, a variable, is intended to convey that thenumbers and ranges disclosed herein are flexible and that practice ofthe present invention by those skilled in the art using, for example,concentrations, amounts and contents that are outside of a stated rangeor different from a single value, will achieve the desired result,namely, a nail enamel composition, coat or film with a decorative coloreffect or color change effect, as described above.

EXAMPLE 1

BASE COAT WITH D&C VIOLET #2 DRY DYE INGREDIENT WT/PERCENT ETHYL ACETATE25.015 BUTYL ACETATE 24.300 NITROCELLULOSE 12.600 PROPYL ACETATE 10.300TOSYLAMIDE FORMALDEHYDE RESIN 9.500 ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 5.400 TRIMETHYLPENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE 3.000 TRIPHENYL PHOSPHATE 3.000 ETHYL TOSYLAMIDE1.500 STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE 1.000 CAMPHOR 1.200 DIACETONE ALCOHOL0.800 STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE 0.300 BENZOPHENONE-1 0.050 CITRIC ACID0.030 DIMETHICONE 0.005 D&C VIOLET #2 DYE 1.000 BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE1.000

EXAMPLE 2

BASE COAT WITH D&C VIOLET #2 DRY DYE INGREDIENT WT/PERCENT ETHYL ACETATE25.515 BUTYL ACETATE 24.300 NITROCELLULOSE 12.600 PROPYL ACETATE 10.300TOSYLAMIDE FORMALDEHYDE RESIN 9.500 ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 5.400 TRIMETHYLPENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE 3.000 TRIPHENYL PHOSPHATE 3.000 ETHYL TOSYLAMIDE1.500 STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE 1.000 CAMPHOR 1.200 DIACETONE ALCOHOL0.800 STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE 0.300 BENZOPHENONE-1 0.050 CITRIC ACID0.030 DIMETHICONE 0.005 D&C VIOLET #2 DYE 1.000 ALUMINUM POWDER 0.500

EXAMPLE 3

BASE COAT WITH INDUSTRIAL DRY DYE (Solvent Red 122) INGREDIENTWT/PERCENT ETHYL ACETATE 41.400 BUTYL ACETATE 24.100 SD ALCOHOL 40B9.700 NITROCELLULOSE 8.100 ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 4.400 AMYL ACETATE 3.300SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE 2.600 ETHYL TOSYLAMIDE 1.800 CAMPHOR 1.500STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE 1.200 DIACETONE ALCOHOL 0.700 PHOSPHORIC ACID0.030 CITRIC ACID 0.010 DIMETHICONE 0.010 ALUMINUM POWDER 0.050 SAVINYLRED 4 GLS DYE (Solvent Red 122) 0.650

EXAMPLE 4

BASE COAT WITH D&C RED 17 DYE SOLUTION INGREDIENT WT/PERCENT ETHYLACETATE 25.000 BUTYL ACETATE 24.000 NITROCELLULOSE 12.600 PROPYL ACETATE2.415 POLYESTER RESIN 9.000 T-5030 DYE 17 SOLUTION 10.000 (1.0% SOLUTIONIN BUTYL ACETATE) TRIMETHYL PENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE 4.000 TRIPHENYLPHOSPHATE 4.000 ETHYL TOSYLAMIDE 0.500 STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE 1.000CAMPHOR 1.000 BENZOPHENONE-1 0.050 CITRIC ACID 0.030 DIMETHICONE 0.005BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE 1.000 ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 5.400

EXAMPLE 5

TOP COAT INGREDIENT WT/PERCENT ETHYL ACETATE 36.3190 SD ALCOHOL 40B19.0000 BUTYL ACETATE 17.9500 CELLULOSE ACETATE BUTYRATE 11.9000ACRYLATES COPOLYMER 3.9000 TRIMETHYL PENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE 3.0000SUCROSE BENZOATE 1.9400 TRIPHENYL PHOSPHATE 1.9400 NITROCELLULOSE 1.7500ETOCRYLENE 1.0000 ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 0.7500 BENZOPHENONE-1 0.5000DIMETHYL POLYSILOXANE 0.0500 D&C VIOLET #2 0.0010

The base and top coats, as described above, may be included in a nailenamel kit for forming a decorative film over natural or syntheticnails.

The aforementioned base and top coats produce a decorative film with acolor change effect when applied to a natural or synthetic nail.

Initially, a natural or synthetic nail is coated with a base coat of thepresent invention. Depending upon the amount and types of colorants(e.g., dyes, pigments, solubilized dyes, lakes, etc.) included in thebase coat, the applied base nail enamel composition will exhibit acertain color. Afterwards, a top coat is applied over the base nailenamel composition. It is contemplated that the top coat can be appliedto also protect the base coat. The top coat may be either clear, tintedor pigmented, if so desired. To this end, there is known from the nailenamel art, as well as the examples disclosed herein, protective clearor tinted top coats which will form a protective continuous film.

The application of the top coat may take place immediately afterapplication of the base coat over the natural or synthetic nail. Inother words, the top coat can be applied while the base coat is still“wet.” Alternatively, the base coat may be fully dry prior toapplication of the top coat. The base coat may even be allowed topartially dry, for example, to a condition known as “dry to touch.” Thiscondition arises when the surface of the resulting film may be touchedwith one's finger without leaving an impression of one's fingerprints.However, the film has yet to become completely dry. The time period toachieve a dry to touch will depend upon the particular base coat beingused, the thickness of the coat applied, and temperature and humidityconditions. In short, the top coat may be applied at any time after theapplication of the base coat. However, preferably, the application ofthe top coat takes place when the base coat is “dry to touch.”

The top coat is preferably applied over the base coat as a single coat.However, multiple coats may also be applied if so desired. Uponapplication of the top coat, the nail enamel composition of the combinedbase and top coats, while wet, when dry to touch and after fully dry,will exhibit a color change, in that the resulting color is differentfrom both the color of the applied base coat and the color of theapplied top coat. As described above, some characteristics of this colorchange or effect may include, either singly or in some combination, adifferent hue, a different brightness, an increased intensity and highersaturation in color.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A base coat nail enamel composition for forming a decorative film ofa first color over a natural or synthetic nail, comprising at least onedye and at least one first solvent capable of solubilizing said dye,wherein said dye is present in said base coat nail enamel composition ina sufficient amount whereby application of at least one top coat nailenamel composition of a second color including at least one secondsolvent capable of solubilizing said dye to said base coat nail enamelcomposition results in a combination of said decorative film and saidtop coat nail enamel composition having a third color different fromsaid first and second colors.
 2. The base coat nail enamel compositionof claim 1, wherein said at least one dye is incorporated into said basecoat nail enamel composition as a dry dye.
 3. The base coat nailcomposition of claim 2, wherein said dry dye is in powder form.
 4. Thebase coat nail composition of claim 2, wherein said dry dye is partiallysolubilized.
 5. The base coat nail enamel composition of claim 1,wherein said at least one dye is incorporated into said base coat nailenamel composition while in-solution.
 6. The base coat nail enamelcomposition of claim 1, wherein said dye is a cosmetic dye.
 7. The basecoat nail enamel composition of claim 6, wherein said cosmetic dye isselected from Drug & Cosmetic (D&C) Violet No. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&CGreen No. 6, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Red No. 17, D&C Yellow No. 8, D&CYellow No. 10 and D&C Yellow No.
 11. 8. The base coat nail enamelcomposition of claim 1, wherein said dye is an industrial dye.
 9. Thebase coat nail enamel composition of claim 8, wherein said industrialdye is selected from Colour Index Nos. Solvent Yellow 21, Solvent Yellow62, Solvent Yellow 82, Solvent Yellow 90, Solvent Orange 45, SolventOrange 54, Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange 58, Solvent Orange 60,Solvent Orange 99, Solvent Red 8, Solvent Red 89, Solvent Red 91,Solvent Red 119, Solvent Red 122, Solvent Red 124, Solvent Red 127,Solvent Red 132, Solvent Red 160, Solvent Red 218, Dye Salt, Basic Blue7, Solvent Blue 48, Solvent Blue 70, Solvent Black 27, Solvent Black 28,Solvent Black 29 and Solvent Black
 34. 10. The base coat nail enamelcomposition of claim 1, wherein said dye is present in an amount of atleast about 0.05% by weight of said composition.
 11. The base coat nailenamel composition of claim 10, wherein said dye is present in an amountbetween about 0.05% and about 1% by weight of said composition.
 12. Thebase coat nail enamel composition of claim 1, wherein said solvent ispresent in an amount between about 60% and about 80% by weight of saidcomposition.
 13. The base coat nail enamel composition of claim 12,wherein said solvent is present in an amount between about 65% and about75% by weight of said composition.
 14. The base coat nail enamelcomposition of claim 1, wherein said dye is present in an amount betweenabout 0.05% and about 1% by weight of said composition and said solventis present in an amount between about 60% and about 80% by weight ofsaid composition.
 15. The base coat nail enamel composition of claim 1,wherein said color change is a difference in hue, brightness, intensity,saturation or a combination thereof between a first color of said basecoat nail enamel composition and a second color of said decorative filmafter application of said top coat nail enamel composition to said basecoat nail enamel composition.
 16. A decorative nail enamel wet film forcoating a natural or synthetic nail, said film comprising a base coathaving a first color, said base coat including at least one dye, atleast one first solvent capable of solubilizing said dye, and at leastone film forming polymer; and a top coat having a second color formedover said base coat, said top coat including at least one second solventcapable of solubilizing said dye; wherein said dye is present in saidbase coat in a sufficient amount whereby said forming of said top coatover said base coat results in said film having a third color differentfrom said first and second colors.
 17. The decorative nail enamel filmof claim 16, wherein said dye is incorporated into said base coat as adry dye.
 18. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 17, wherein saiddry dye is in powder form.
 19. The decorative nail enamel film of claim17, wherein said dry dye is partially solubilized.
 20. The decorativenail enamel film of claim 16, wherein said dye is incorporated into saidbase coat while in-solution.
 21. The decorative nail enamel film ofclaim 16, wherein said dye is a cosmetic dye.
 22. The decorative nailenamel film of claim 21, wherein said cosmetic dye is selected from Drug& Cosmetic (D&C) Violet No. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Green No. 6, D&COrange No. 5, D&C Red No. 17, D&C Yellow No. 8, D&C Yellow No. 10 andD&C Yellow No.
 11. 23. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 16,wherein said dye is an industrial dye.
 24. The decorative nail enamelfilm of claim 23, wherein said industrial dye is selected from ColourIndex Nos. Solvent Yellow 21, Solvent Yellow 62, Solvent Yellow 82,Solvent Yellow 90, Solvent Orange 45, Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange54, Solvent Orange 58, Solvent Orange 60, Solvent Orange 99, Solvent Red8, Solvent Red 89, Solvent Red 91, Solvent Red 119, Solvent Red 122,Solvent Red 124, Solvent Red 127, Solvent Red 132, Solvent Red 160,Solvent Red 218, Dye Salt, Basic Blue 7, Solvent Blue 48, Solvent Blue70, Solvent Black 27, Solvent Black 28, Solvent Black 29 and SolventBlack
 34. 25. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 16, wherein saiddye is present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight of saidbase coat.
 26. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 25, wherein saiddye is present in an amount between about 0.05% and about 1% by weightof said base coat.
 27. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 16,wherein said solvent is present in an amount between about 60% and about80% by weight of said composition.
 28. The decorative nail enamel filmof claim 27, wherein said solvent is present in an amount between about65% and about 75% by weight of said composition.
 29. The decorative nailenamel film of claim 16, wherein said film forming polymer is present inan amount between about 5% and about 25% by weight of said base coat.30. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 29, wherein said filmforming polymer is present in an amount between about 10% and about 15%by weight of said base coat.
 31. The decorative nail enamel film ofclaim 16, wherein said dye is present in an amount between about 0.05%and about 1% by weight of said base coat, said solvent is present in anamount between about 60% and about 80% by weight of said base coat, andsaid film forming polymer is present in an amount between about 5% andabout 25% by weight of said base coat.
 32. The decorative nail enamelfilm of claim 16, wherein said top coat is clear, tinted or pigmented.33. The decorative nail enamel film of claim 16, wherein said thirdcolor is a difference in hue, brightness, intensity, saturation or acombination thereof between said first color and said second color. 34.A nail enamel kit for forming a decorative film over a natural orsynthetic nail, said kit comprising a base coat nail enamel composition,said base coat nail enamel composition comprising at least one dye, afirst solvent capable of solubilizing said dye, and film formingpolymer, and a top coat including at least one second solvent capable ofsolubilizing said dye; wherein said base coat nail enamel compositionforms a first film having a first color over said natural or syntheticnail and said top coat nail enamel composition forms a second filmhaving a second color over said base coat nail enamel composition; andwherein said dye is present in said base coat nail enamel composition ina sufficient amount whereby said forming of said second film over saidfirst film results in a combination of said first and second filmshaving a third color different from said first and second colors. 35.The nail enamel kit of claim 34, wherein said at least one dye isincorporated into said base coat nail enamel composition as a dry dye.36. The nail enamel kit of claim 35, wherein said dry dye is in powderform.
 37. The nail enamel kit of claim 35, wherein said dry dye ispartially solubilized.
 38. The nail enamel kit of claim 34, wherein saidat least one dye is incorporated into said base coat nail enamelcomposition while in-solution.
 39. The nail enamel kit of claim 34,wherein said dye is a cosmetic dye.
 40. The nail enamel kit of claim 39,wherein said cosmetic dye is selected from Drug & Cosmetic (D&C) VioletNo. 2, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Green No. 6, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Red No.17, D&C Yellow No. 8, D&C Yellow No. 10 and D&C Yellow No.
 11. 41. Thenail enamel kit of claim 34, wherein said dye is an industrial dye. 42.The nail enamel kit of claim 41, wherein said industrial dye is selectedfrom Colour Index Nos. Solvent Yellow 21, Solvent Yellow 62, SolventYellow 82, Solvent Yellow 90, Solvent Orange 45, Solvent Orange 54,Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange 58, Solvent Orange 60, Solvent Orange99, Solvent Red 8, Solvent Red 89, Solvent Red 91, Solvent Red 119,Solvent Red 122, Solvent Red 124, Solvent Red 127, Solvent Red 132,Solvent Red 160, Solvent Red 218, Dye Salt, Basic Blue 7, Solvent Blue48, Solvent Blue 70, Solvent Black 27, Solvent Black 28, Solvent Black29 and Solvent Black
 34. 43. The nail enamel kit of claim 34, whereinsaid dye is present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight ofsaid base coat nail enamel composition.
 44. The nail enamel kit of claim43, wherein said dye is present in an amount between about 0.05% andabout 1% by weight of said base coat nail enamel composition.
 45. Thenail enamel kit of claim 34, wherein said solvent is present in anamount between about 60% and about 80% by weight of said base coat nailenamel composition.
 46. The nail enamel kit of claim 45, wherein saidsolvent is present in an amount between about 65% and about 75% byweight of said base coat nail enamel composition.
 47. The nail enamelkit of claim 34, wherein said film forming polymer is present in anamount between about 5% and about 25% by weight of said base coat nailenamel composition.
 48. The nail enamel kit of claim 47, wherein saidfilm forming polymer is present in an amount between about 10% and about15% by weight of said base coat nail enamel composition.
 49. The nailenamel kit of claim 34, wherein said dye is present in an amount betweenabout 0.05% and about 1% by weight of said base coat nail enamelcomposition, said solvent is present in an amount between about 60% andabout 80% by weight of said base coat nail enamel composition, and saidfilm forming polymer is present in an amount between about 5% and about25% by weight of said base coat nail enamel composition.
 50. The nailenamel kit of claim 34, wherein said top coat is clear, tinted orpigmented.
 51. The nail enamel kit of claim 34, further comprising atleast one suspending agent.
 52. The nail enamel kit of claim 34, whereinsaid third color is a difference in hue, brightness, intensity,saturation or a combination thereof between said first color and saidsecond color.
 53. A method of forming a decorative film over a naturalor synthetic nail, said method comprising applying a base coat nailenamel composition including at least one dye, at least one firstsolvent capable of solubilizing said dye, and at least one film formingpolymer, said base coat nail enamel composition forming a first filmhaving a first color over said natural or synthetic nail, and applying atop coat nail enamel composition including at least one second solventcapable of solubilizing said dye over said first film, said top coatnail enamel composition forming a second film having a second color oversaid first film; wherein said dye is present in said base coat nailenamel composition in a sufficient amount whereby said forming of saidsecond film over said first film results in a combination of said firstand second films having a third color different from said first andsecond colors.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein said at least one dyeis incorporated into said base coat as a dry dye.
 55. The method ofclaim 54, wherein said dry dye is in powder form.
 56. The method ofclaim 54, wherein said dry dye is partially solubilized.
 57. The methodof claim 53, wherein said at least one dye is incorporated into saidbase coat while in-solution.
 58. The method of claim 53, wherein saiddye is a cosmetic dye.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein said cosmeticdye is selected from Drug & Cosmetic (D&C) Violet No. 2, D&C Green No.5, D&C Green No. 6, D&C Orange No. 5, D&C Red No. 17, D&C Yellow No. 8,D&C Yellow No. 10 and D&C Yellow No.
 11. 60. The method of claim 53,wherein said dye is an industrial dye.
 61. The method of claim 60,wherein said industrial dye is selected from Colour Index Nos. SolventYellow 21, Solvent Yellow 62, Solvent Yellow 82, Solvent Yellow 90,Solvent Orange 45, Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange 54, Solvent Orange58, Solvent Orange 60, Solvent Orange 99, Solvent Red 8, Solvent Red 89,Solvent Red 91, Solvent Red 119, Solvent Red 122, Solvent Red 124,Solvent Red 127, Solvent Red 132, Solvent Red 160, Solvent Red 218, DyeSalt, Basic Blue 7, Solvent Blue 48, Solvent Blue 70, Solvent Black 27,Solvent Black 28, Solvent Black 29 and Solvent Black
 34. 62. The methodof claim 53, wherein said dye is present in an amount of at least about0.05% by weight of said base coat.
 63. The method of claim 62, whereinsaid dye is present in an amount between about 0.05% and about 1% byweight of said base coat.
 64. The method of claim 53, wherein said topcoat nail enamel composition is clear, tinted or pigmented.
 65. Themethod of claim 53, wherein said third color is a difference in hue,brightness, intensity, saturation or a combination thereof between saidfirst color and said second color.